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Music Hound // May the Funk be with you, a Prince Tribute

As I write this I have a heavy heart, as just a few hours ago I found out about the passing of the legendary Paisley Park funkateer Prince. I already had these tracks chosen that are influenced by the synthy funk sounds of the mid-late 80’s that occurred just before the birth of house. Now it feels more relevant then ever to discuss how the music of that era is influencing the sounds of today. Long live the King and may the Funk be with you!

Mind Enterprise – Chapita

Elastic baseline? Check. Breathy, sexy vocals? Check. Catchy Chorus? Hell yeah. This funky track by Italian born London Based artist Andrea Tirone, slips and slides like the best of legendary Talking Heads rhythm section off-shoot Tom Tom Club. His album, ‘Idealist’ is one of my early candidates for record of the year.

AK Paul – Landcruisin’

Industrial funk meets Batman era Prince by the mysterious A.K. Paul, brother of reclusive bedroom popster J.K. Paul. Landcruisin’ is a sleek sexy lesson in retro-futurism. A slow groover on the dance floor whose squiggly synth lines will bring large smiles to all those shakin’ their money maker.

Goldwash – Malady

Once again, it is the synths here that really get my Mojo workin’. Goldwash calls his music Existential Funk, not really sure what that means. All I hear is pure sex and fire for the discerning floor. Can’t wait to hear more from this new artist.

AlunaGeorge ft Flume – I Remember

We head into pure 80’s pop-funk territory here, but when it is done this well you can only nod your head in respect. The beauty of this track is the way it updates ‘Nasty’ era Janet Jackson for the 21st century. They could not have chose a better collaborator than Australia’s Flume. This song bounces so good!

Snakehips featuring Anderson Paak – Money on Me

Already the MVP of 2016 is Anderson Paak, he is like this year’s Stephen Curry or Michael Jordan. Therefore it was hard to narrow it down to just one track but I did. Anderson is best know as part of the new movement of cool cats from LA that includes, Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, that is embracing the traditions of soul, jazz, and of course funk. He stands out though due to this combo of laid back rapping style and soaring soulful vocal performances. Can you say song of the Spring?